The team at Stanley House Vets have spent the year taking on various fundraising challenges in memory of former equine and farm vet Nick Johnson, who received palliative care at Pendleside Hospice in Burnley before his death in December 2024.

Staff at a Burnley and Pendle based veterinary practice have raised nearly £2,000 for the hospice that cared for their much-loved former colleague during his final months.

The team at Stanley House Vets took on a variety of fundraising challenges in memory of former equine and farm vet Nick Johnson.

Nick (41) died in December, 2024, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He received palliative care at Pendleside Hospice, and his former colleagues wanted to give something back to the team that cared for him.

Their fundraising efforts raised more than £1,500, with VetPartners, the vet-led veterinary group of which Stanley House Vets is part, adding a further £310 – a 20% contribution – to bring the total to nearly £2,000.

The hospice also holds a special place in the hearts of many team members, with friends and family having received care and support there.

Staff at Burnley and Pendle based at Stanley House Vets raise £2,000 for Pendleside Hospice in memory of farmer Nick Johnson | s

placeholder image — Staff at Burnley and Pendle based at Stanley House Vets raise £2,000 for Pendleside Hospice in memory of farmer Nick Johnson | s

Throughout the year, colleagues have taken on some gruelling challenges, including the Yorkshire Tough Mudder, two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the 12-mile Pendle Pub Walk. The Three Peaks challenge had to be scaled back following advice from the Mountain Rescue Team on the day because of poor weather conditions.

The team also sold packets of sunflower seeds at their practices in Colne, Burnley and Barnoldswick, and organised a sunflower-growing competition for clients. And in a wardrobe clear-out colleagues donated 25 bin bags of clothes to be sold across Pendleside Hospice’s 10 shops.

Some of the team from Stanley House Vets on one of their challenges for Pendleside Hospice in memory of a late colleague Nick Johnson | s

Stanley House Vets Clinical Director Leanne Duckworth said: “The fundraising has brought us together as a team, and building that team spirit was another important reason for taking on the challenges.

“We’re delighted with the amount we’ve raised, but this is just the start. We’re already looking at doing even more fundraising events next year to raise money for Pendleside Hospice.

“The hospice holds a special place in our community and in all our hearts. Nick was a much-loved colleague, and he was very much in our thoughts throughout the fundraising.

“Cancer touches so many lives, and some of our colleagues have also seen friends and family benefit from the care and support the hospice provides.”